The return of Sangwani Munthali

Afro-pop musician Sangwani Munthali has broken his four-year music hibernation with a new 10-track album titled Ndipulumutseni which has been recorded and produced in Namibia.

The album which carries such tracks as Ndipulumutseni, Ndilowala and Asamala is a diversified project which has seen Munthali registering a number of changes in terms of production and approach to his music.

For example, unlike his previous albums—Mahomwa Ghafumu (2000) and 2013’s Themba, the new album accompanies a Chichewa title plus a good number of tracks.

“I speak a number of languages and the new album is a testimony to this. I am not strictly a Tumbuka singer as people have always associated me based on my previous albums,” said Munthali.

He said his album has taken time produce because he was learning the ‘musicality’ of African touch in order to produce relevant sound that could stand out on international map.

“The music landscape is changing rapidly but it needs cultural-consciouseness to define our touch as Africans. So, this compelled me to work with a blend of African artists in Namibia to help maximising the production of Ndipulumutseni,” said Munthali.

The live recording of Ndipumumutseni was done at Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) with Darreck as main producer. It also features a Congolese guitarist, many among others.

Munthali said he has learnt significant lessons from the production of Ndipulumutseni right from mastering, mixing and music knowledge.

“The most important thing that I have learnt is that working with a team that is knowledgeable about music pays off,” said Munthali.

The album will be launched on May 27 at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) and two days later at Robin’s Park in Blantyre. n